Edward "Ted" A. Bragdon Jr.

The family of Edward Albert Bragdon Jr., 101, announces his peaceful passing on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at his home of 73 years on Organug Road in York. 

Ted was born in York on August 15, 1924 and lived his entire life there. He was the son of the late Edward Albert Bragdon Sr. and Marion Twambley Bragdon. He grew up in York with his three siblings, Janice, Carter, and Baxter. As a teen, Ted worked at the First Parish Cemetery and at the Lucas and Eaton Funeral Home. He drove a bus with commuters to and from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and watched for German subs off the coast from York Harbor. He loved riding horses and driving cars. He was a graduate of York High School and received a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire. 

Ted entered the U.S. Navy Flight School in August, 1943 and completed his training as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. He was the pilot of a PBY-3 Catalina reconnaissance plane. 

After completing his commitment to the Navy, he returned to York and joined his father as a real estate and insurance agent at the A.M. Bragdon Agency. Soon after starting his career, he met Irene Kirchgraber, and they were married in 1948. When their three children were all school age in the mid 1960's, Ted and Irene worked closely together at the agency. He helped many people as they became established in York, and he touched many lives with his wisdom, humor, friendship, and his respect for others. He continued to run the business until his retirement in 1985. 

Ted and Irene wintered in Spring Hill, Florida for 20 years. They had many friends and stayed very active golfing, boating, and hosting family gatherings. They also loved traveling with friends, but they were always happy to return to York for summertime in their home on the golf course. 

Ted was a Deacon at the First Parish Church, an active member and treasurer of the York Golf and Tennis Club, a founding member of The Big "A" ski mountain, a past member of the York Harbor Reading Room, a Master Mason at St. Aspinquid Lodge, and a board member of the York Historical Society. He enjoyed the Twilight Golf League on Wednesday nights in the summer and the Portsmouth Bowling League on Wednesday nights in the winter. He was also a member of the Maine Seniors Golf Association and enjoyed playing at many different golf courses around the state each summer. 

Ted was awarded York Maine's Boston Post Cane in his 100th year. 

Ted was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Irene Kirchgraber Bragdon, in 2017, as well as his three siblings. He is survived by his children, Katherine Bragdon Somerville and her husband Jay of Kittery Point, Maine, Edward Albert Bragdon III (Skip) and his wife Arline of Rome, Maine, and Melissa Bragdon Emery and her husband Jamie of New Hampton, New Hampshire. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, four step grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on August 9, 2026 at the First Parish Church, 180 York Street, York, Maine. A reception will follow at the Parish House. A Navy burial will be in the First Parish Cemetery at 4:00 P.M. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kittery Lions Club and the First Parish Church.

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